By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent in partnership with the Ridgetown BIA has issued a call for artists to help brighten downtown.
Artists are sought to create artwork for display on five concrete planters/benches on Main St.
The project theme centres on capturing the Heritage and History of Ridgetown.
The artist chosen to conduct the project will be paid $3,000 to create the artwork on five planters/benches. The Council Ward Funding initiative funds the project.
The artist must provide original designs with no existing copyright infringement. The proposed artwork can be created in any medium – digital illustration, painting, drawing, photography – as long as the image can be digitally formatted to the appropriate size and file specifications. The work must be durable and adhere to the planters. The work must be public-friendly, non-commercial and cannot resemble traffic signals or signs. Designs should deter graffiti and avoid large, solid, or blank areas.
Concept representations should be in JPG/JPEG/PDF format at a minimum resolution of 150 dpi.
Final submissions, if selected, should be at a resolution of 300 dpi, scaled to 50% of the actual cabinet size.
First consideration will be given to Chatham-Kent artists.
Artists must complete the online submission form, which includes providing the applicant’s contact information, the title and description of the proposed design, and an image that does not have to be complete but demonstrates the proof of concept.
Applicants must also include a maximum of four past images, identified with title, date and medium, along with a short bio (200 words maximum).
The selection criteria consist of:
– Connection (40%): Demonstrate a strong connection to the local CK community, including current and former residents, and artists with a strong connection to the local community;
-Proposed Digital Illustration/Concept (40%): Effectively communicate the artist’s unique and original perspective;
– Portfolio/Emerging Artist (20%): The submission and samples of past work provide confidence that the artist can successfully carry out or learn to execute the proposed work.
The successful candidate will be paid 25 per cent upon selection and contract signing, another 25 per cent at the halfway mark, and the final 50 per cent upon receipt of final digital files and a signed reproduction agreement.
The submission deadline is Friday, March 27, at 11:59 p.m.
The application form is available online at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca and scrolling down to the ‘Public Call For Artists – Heritage of Ridgetown’ post, which includes more information about the project.
The application is also available directly at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/public-art/surveys/application-for-ward-funding-grant1
